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In a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among travelers and social media users, Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has initiated an unconventional policy to ease congestion: limiting farewell hugs to three minutes. This measure, reportedly implemented in September, aims to keep the passenger drop-off area from turning into a gridlock due to prolonged goodbyes.
The signage at the airport explicitly states "Max hug time three minutes," signaling to passengers and their loved ones that extended farewells need to be taken to the car park. According to Dunedin Airport's CEO, Dan De Bono, this directive stirs a mix of emotions online as some deem it an infringement on personal liberties, while others appreciate the effort to streamline airport operations.
Necessitated by the need to address obstructions in front of the airport, this policy is a nuanced alternative to other strict measures such as wheel clamping or fines, a common practice in drop-off zones at various airports, including some in the UK that charge fees for even brief stops.
Seen as 'quirky' by the airport’s management, the intention behind the three-minute limit is to encourage people to say their farewells promptly and move on, freeing up space for others. De Bono even notes that a mere 20-second embrace is sufficient to release oxytocin and serotonin, hormones associated with stress relief and happiness, suggesting the three-minute cap should be more than ample.
Despite this, officials at Dunedin Airport are taking a soft approach to enforcement. While there won’t be any "hug police" ensuring compliance with the time restriction, they are urging over-time huggers to continue their goodbyes in the car park.
The story has garnered notable attention beyond New Zealand’s shores, with the policy being debated widely across various social media platforms. Some view it as an endearing, light-hearted attempt to deal with a practical issue, while others argue it poses unnecessary restriction on personal expressions of affection. Nonetheless, De Bono stands by the policy as a middle-ground solution aimed to enhance the efficiency of airport operations while maintaining the warm, friendly spirit associated with Kiwi culture.
Dunedin Airport serves as a key transport hub for the city of Dunedin, which hosts a population of approximately 135,000. It’s unknown if similar policies might be considered by other airports facing congestion challenges, but for now, Dunedin Airport is making headlines with its unique approach to managing the flow of traffic and tearful farewells.